Brighton Beach Park has a popular stone-covered beach, swing set, picnic area with tables and barbecue grills, carry-in canoe area and public fruit trees — plus stunning views of Lake Superior. Bayfront Festival Park is located along the Downtown Waterfront in Duluth, and hosts events and concerts throughout the year. The park features a large, all-ages playground, with free use of recreational equipment. Hartley Park is for true nature lovers. 

Though the number of people returning is “impossible to quantify,” signals such as airlines flying daily to the capital of Mogadishu or “chatter in the community about returning” can’t be ignored, said Ryan Allen, principal researcher and assistant community and economic development professor. Humphrey research consultant Kadra Abdi said other research has looked at the financial side of people returning, but they wanted to focus on the social aspect.